SAN BENITO, Texas - There has been a 400 percent increase in cargo moving through the Port of Brownsville since 2018. Per year, the value of that cargo is more than $12 billion.
This information was shared by Esteban “Steve” Guerra, chairman of Brownsville Navigation District, at a candidate forum hosted by LULAC Council 22347, the San Benito-based group that is otherwise known as the Juan Rivera, Sr. & Veterans Council.
LULAC stands for League of United Latin American Citizens.
Guerra is running for Cameron County Judge.
Let me tell you a little bit about my experience. I have the honor of serving as chairman of the board at the Port of Brownsville right now,” Guerra said, in his opening remarks.
“The port is the economic engine for the entire region. I am proud to say that since 2018 when I was elected there, we have had an increase of 400% of cargos going through our port. We have 12 billion dollars of goods and services that are coming through. And yes, in name, we are the Port of Brownsville. But we are really the port of the entire region, because the jobs that we're creating out there, it affects not only all of Cameron County, but all of South Texas.”
Guerra ran through some of the other organizations he is involved with.
“I have the honor of serving on the RioPlex board. I also serve on a board named the Border Trade Alliance. So, we're looking at cross-border trade and the renegotiation of the USMCA. I am also a former chairman of the Greater Brownsville incentives Corporation, the Type A economic development arm of Brownsville.”
Guerra then explained his vision for Cameron County.
“What I want to do as your county judge is, I want to continue what we've done at the port. I want to do it for all of Cameron County. I want to continue bringing those investments and those jobs for our people. And one thing I do stress when I am talking to these companies that come in, I don't want just normal paying jobs. I want them to pay our people what they pay in Louisiana, in South Dakota, everywhere where our people have to leave to go work. I expect them to come pay our people those wages. That's one of my biggest emphases.”
Guerra said Cameron County leaders also have to focus on infrastructure.
“I think we need a good look at our infrastructure. We have a serious lack of infrastructure here. God forbid we are hit with a hurricane or heavy, heavy rains. We are going to be underwater like we've been before,” Guerra said.
“Also, finally, one thing that I do plan to do is... We need transparency and accessibility in the Office of Cameron County Judge. It is your office. The county judge works for you. I plan on working for you if I elected there.”
Later during the forum, Guerra was given an opportunity to elaborate on his platform. He said:
“I truly feel it's time to get back to the basics, right? We need to come back and focus on our infrastructure. Like I said, we need to look at our drainage. We need to look at our roads, instead of looking at special interest projects and arenas and whatnot. We need to get back to getting infrastructure that works for you. We need to focus on job production. I've delivered; I've led a team that has delivered billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to our people. And we need to get this county judge's office back to responding directly to you. I’m ready to work for you. I humbly ask for your vote and your support in this coming election, and we're ready to give this office back to you all. Thank you very much.”
There was applause for these remarks.
Each candidate was given one question from LULAC members. The question for Guerra centered on Cameron County building an arena, something voters have rejected on more than one occasion.
“To answer your question directly, I will not be putting an arena on any ballot, okay? And I'm going to tell you why. We could talk about HOT taxes. We could talk about different ways of funding it. But the truth is that… I believe somebody mentioned a little while ago, public private partnerships. I ask anyone to find one arena around the United States that is self-funded, that doesn't cost taxpayers money, you will not find it,” Guerra said.
“So, when you go out and you talk to the people, you say, well, just vote for it, because I think it's a good idea, and don't worry, it is going to cost. Do I believe that we need an arena? Maybe, maybe not. Do we have to get everybody involved? All the communities have to come together and say, where's the best place for this? Is it between San Benito and Harlingen? Is it somewhere closer to Brownsville? I don't have the answer to that question, but one thing I will guarantee is that I will not put that on the ballot for a vote and for a number of reasons. It’s fiscally irresponsible. It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to put it on. It has cost us close to a million dollars already. So, I will not be having that on the ballot.”
